Amy Schumer on Gun Violence and the 'Trainwreck' Theater Shooting

“I'm someone who right now is in a position to be heard.”

All eyes are on Amy Schumer as she rises through the ranks to superstardom. Recently named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People, the ever-ambitious Schumer has used her public platform as a way to speak out against issues that are important to her.

Schumer talked about the topic to The Hollywood Reporter’s Scott Feinberg during the latest episode of his Awards Chatter podcast.

One event that hit particularly close to home for Schumer was the Lafayette, Louisiana, movie theater shooting back in July, when a gunman opened fire during a screening of Trainwreck and two women were fatally wounded.

"These two girls, Mayci Breaux and Jillian Johnson, they died and they really didn't have to," Schumer said somberly.

After the tragic shooting Schumer joined her cousin, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), in calling for stricter gun control.

She attended a press conference on the matter in August, stating at the time, "These are my first public comments on the issue of gun violence, but I promise they won't be my last."

Acknowledging her position in the limelight and background as a comedian, Schumer wants to assure others that she should be taken seriously.

“I know when I would see an actor or a comic kind of speak up about politics, you're kinda like, 'Stay in your lane,' and I totally understand that. But I feel a real drive and responsibility to try and get stricter checks on guns,” said Schumer.

“And what my cousin and I are lobbying for is: if you've been convicted of domestic violence, or if you are severely mentally ill, that you not be able to get a gun. That seems pretty logical to me."

Speaking out on the matter has not come without backlash. Schumer admitted that she has received some flack for voicing her opinion.

“It’s really a lot to adjust to. Having every word, every outfit you wear, be analyzed. I have just committed to myself to be authentic as I can be.”

Schumer said that the issue will appear on her TV show Inside Amy Schumer this season.